Earlier in September, a Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention event was planned, organized and held at Knox Presbyterian Church in Goderich.

Successful due to the amount of volunteers that worked the event, and also due to members in the community supporting the cause, such as Tribute Studios, event coordinator, Candice Reich, was able to present a cheque to two community service groups.

Earlier this week, Reich presented a $1, 000 cheque to David Hickman for the Salvation Army’s ‘Huron Out of the Cold’ program, and another $1, 000 cheque to the Huron County Women’s Shelter.

“This event began as a small-scale fundraiser, with a goal of raising a few hundred dollars. When the community responded with such enthusiasm, I knew it would be much more than what I had originally envisioned. It was apparent from the start that the community is looking for events like this, which raise awareness, reduce stigma and get people talking about topics they might otherwise avoid,” explained Reich.

“My goal was to reach out and help people in a way that might have a positive impact on their daily lives. The response we received made it clear that we did that, and so much more.”

According to Reich, the money was donated to the two organizations because of their immediate relations with individuals who struggle with mental health illnesses within our community.

The Huron County Women’s Shelter offers outreach, crisis support and counselling services, 24/7.

The ‘Huron Out of the Cold’ overnight shelter program directly impacts the well-being of men in the community who are vulnerable.

According to Lieutenant David Hickman of Salvation Army, planning is well under way for this year’s program. The planning committee for the program is hoping to take a proposal to Huron County Council members in Late October.

“The Huron Out of The Cold Emergency shelter program is a very important service for those in our County who are either homeless or facing the prospects of becoming homeless. Being in such a situation places enormous emotional strain on individuals, who are often coping with a number of various challenges,” explained Hickman.

“By having a safe, supervised place to sleep this service alleviates a great amount of stress and concern on those who may be overwhelmed by the situation they find themselves in.

The tentative plan, based on approval by County Council, is to operate the overnight shelter out of Lakeshore United Church, which would also include a light dinner and breakfast.

“Men’s mental health is often overlooked and although this program is new, it has the potential to change lives for the better. We wanted to support that,” Reich added.

Money raised through the support of individuals who attended the event, was a true community and group effort.

“It is vitally important that we as a community support one another and make an effort to demonstrate our care and concern. Mental Health is an illness that affects us all in one way or another,” Hickman said.

“Events such as the one to recognize Suicide Prevention Day are vital in helping raise awareness of mental health and taking away some of the stigma or stereotypes that may be associated with it.”

The money will be put to good use, positively impacting the women and men in Huron County who struggle with mental health illnesses and are vulnerable.

“It's incredible what a small team of committed, enthusiastic individuals is capable of. We are already planning our next event - a dinner and fantastic motivational speaker, on Saturday November 4 at The Maitland. The proceeds from our upcoming event(s) will support our goal of increasing mental health education within the community,” Reich said.

There are plans to make this fundraiser an annual event, to support those in the community who need pillars of strength and understanding, and to engage the broader community in conversations about mental health awareness.